Iowa and Amish

  A very nice day. Mild temps. Arrived in Buchanan County at the residence of Edna's Aunt Ada. She lost her first husband Uncle Jonas Helmuth in 1964. Tears testified to her continued sensitivity to the tragic hospitalization, surgery, and Hemophiliac post-op bleeding.  She was left with 6 children age 15 and under. Times were hard. Finances meager. Neighbors prepared ground, others planted crops.

   And she survived. A testimony to the culture of mutual assistance of the Amish community. She later remarried a widower from Ohio.  He passed away after about 16 years.  She is now alone again.
  

  Ada showed off her carpet loom. Only taking custom orders, she has a backlog. Her late husband taught her before he passed away. These are clearly high quality rugs as compared to a shop just down the road.  At 85 Ada was a dear delight.

                                        Her grandson was taking care of a large draft horse.

Grandson Freeman Jr.

This kid is quite comfortable with this massive animal.  The horse stood higher at the shoulder than my head. Freeman's older brother was riding him to round up a few strays. Last week they had an auction of quality horses. They must have must have brought good prices. Their barn accommodates about 20 or so in individual stalls. Quite a setup. Professional.